ENGLAND rugby stars Jason Robinson, Charlie Hodgson and Mark Cueto will be gracing Oxford's Kassam Stadium next month as Sale take on Pau in the European Challenge Cup final.

And the omens seem in favour of the Sharks repeating their success at the same venue three years ago.

Sale reached the final on May 21 after a Cueto-inspired 59-9 (84-27 on aggregate) win over Connacht, whom they also defeated in the 2002 group stage.

The Sharks went on to edge out Pontyprid 25-22 in an epic final after also beating Narbonne on the way - another trick they have repeated in 2005.

Sunday's second leg thrashing of Connacht saw Cueto bag a hat-trick and fly-half Hodgson kick 24 points.

Cueto's treble was one in the eye for Clive Woodward, who omitted him from the Lions squad, while Robinson continued his rehabilitation after missing much of the Six Nations through injury.

Cueto was left disappointed by Sir Clive's decision, but Sharks' colleagues Andy Titterell and Andrew Sheridan will join Robinson and Hodgson on the plane for New Zealand.

Hooker Titterell played second fiddle to Steve Thompson, during England's Six Nations campaign, but has impressed when given the chance.

Loose-head prop Sheridan will form part of a formidable front row on May 21, although he is unlikely to make the Lions' Test team

Sale and Pau kick off proceedings at the Kassam at 12.45pm, in the first of a European rugby double-header.

Worcester, who beat Powergen Cup winners Leeds 73-64 in the semi-final, then take on Auch at 5pm in the European Shield final.